WordPress – Overview

WordPress is the world’s most popular Content Management System (CMS) that allows you to build websites without learning programming (though developers can extend it with PHP/HTML/CSS/JS).

• Launched in 2003

• Written in PHP

• Uses MySQL / MariaDB database

• Completely free and open-source

🧱 Types of WordPress

There are two versions — important to understand:

1️⃣ WordPress.org (Self-Hosted)

• Free open-source software

• Installed on your own hosting (cPanel, XAMPP, WAMP, etc.)

• Full control over everything

• Can install any theme, plugin, or custom code

Best for: blogs, business websites, e-commerce, custom development.

2️⃣ WordPress.com

• Fully hosted service

• No installation needed

• Limited customization (unless using paid plans)

Best for: beginners who want a simple website without hosting setup.

🎯 Why WordPress Is So Popular? (Key Features)

⭐ 1. Easy to Use

No coding needed to create pages, posts, menus, etc.

⭐ 2. Themes for Styling

You can change your entire website’s design using free or premium themes.

⭐ 3. Plugins for Functionality

More than 60,000 plugins available:

• SEO (RankMath, Yoast)

• Contact forms

• E-commerce (WooCommerce)

• Security

• Page builders (Elementor, Divi)

⭐ 4. SEO Friendly

Google-friendly structure, permalinks, and plugins help in ranking.

⭐ 5. Fully Customizable

If you know PHP/HTML/CSS/JS, you can:

• Create your own theme

• Create plugins

• Build web apps

• Extend WordPress functionality

⭐ 6. Huge Community

Millions of developers, forums, tutorials — easy to find support.

🏗️ What Can You Build with WordPress?

• Blogs

• Business websites

• E-commerce stores

• Portfolio websites

• Online courses (LMS)

• Membership sites

• News & magazines

• Forums

• Appointment booking platforms

• Custom web applications

🏁 How WordPress Works

1️⃣ User sends request (example: open a page)

2️⃣ WordPress loads required files (PHP core)

3️⃣ Fetches data from database (posts, settings, menus)

4️⃣ Applies theme + plugins

5️⃣ Displays output as HTML in browser

⚙️ Main Components of WordPress

1. WordPress Core

The main engine that runs the CMS.

2. Theme

Controls design & layout.

3. Plugins

Adds new features.

4. Database

Stores content like:

• Posts

• Pages

• Users

• Settings

• Comments

5. Media Library

Stores images, videos, files.

🧩 Is WordPress Good for Developers?

Yes! Developers can:

• Build custom themes

• Create plugins

• Use REST API

• Integrate with apps

• Modify core functionality

📌 Summary